New Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre Opens to improve access to NHS tests
The Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre (PCDC) has been officially opened by Luke Pollard MP and University Hospitals NHS Trust colleagues, marking a major milestone in improving access to diagnostic services for local people.
Located on Western Approach in Plymouth City Centre, the £22 million facility will provide a wide range of vital tests, scans and checks in a convenient, community-based setting. The new centre is expected to deliver more than 91,600 diagnostic tests each year, with capacity for up to 330 appointments per day, helping reduce waiting times and improve patient experience.
The PCDC is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, including two MRI scanners, two CT scanners - one of which is a specialist cardiac CT scanner, and two X-ray rooms. Additional services include ultrasound, phlebotomy, lung function testing and audiology.
By bringing these services into the heart of the city, the centre will help patients access care more quickly and closer to home, while also easing pressure on Derriford Hospital. The central location also enables patients to attend multiple appointments in a single visit and benefit from nearby amenities, such as shops and cafés, supporting a more convenient and flexible healthcare experience.
John Stephens, Director of Estates and Facilities at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust said: “Receiving planning permission back in March 2024 honestly feels like only yesterday. To now be standing in this completed facility, seeing those plans brought to life, is something we can all be incredibly proud of.
“This centre will make a significant impact. Over 300 patients will pass through here every single day, seven days a week. That represents a huge step forward in tackling the health inequalities we set out to address, and in supporting earlier detection of disease - which we know is crucial to improving outcomes and saving lives”.
Luke Pollard, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport said: “It was a huge honour to open the new Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre. For years I have been campaigning for a new health village in our city and today marks a major step forward.
“With the new Peninsula Dental Education Practice, PCDC at Colin Campbell Court brings healthcare to the high street. These facilities will deliver vital diagnostic services such as MRIs, CT scans and X-rays, and by moving over 91,600 tests a year into the city centre, we are making healthcare more accessible for residents, while taking pressure off Derriford Hospital.
This is a fantastic achievement for Plymouth. Well done to everyone involved for making this happen.”
Inside the building, patients and visitors will find thoughtfully designed spaces featuring artwork created by local artists through community competitions. Each floor has its own theme to support wayfinding, from sea-inspired scenes with flowing wave motifs, to vibrant cityscapes and countryside views.
Councillor Maria Lawson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “This building is a real game changer for the West End. It will bring thousands more visitors into the area, supporting local businesses and revitalising this part of the city centre.
“Crucially, it will also make it much easier for Plymouth residents - particularly those nearby - to access vital medical services such as CT scans, X-rays and blood tests. That’s a significant step forward in tackling long-term health issues. It’s a great day for the city.”
Dr Trevor Smith, NHS England South West Regional Medical Director, said: “I’m really pleased to see the Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre reach this important milestone.
“This modern building in the heart of the city will help many more people get tests and scans, more than 91,600 each year and appointments every day from 8am to 8pm.
“By bringing these services closer to home, people can be seen more quickly and easily, helping reduce waiting times and spot health problems earlier.
“This centre is a great example of how partnership working can improve health outcomes while contributing to the wider regeneration of the city, and I look forward to Plymouth CDC welcoming its first patient on 23 June, and hearing their thoughts on their visit.”
Minister of State for Health (Secondary Care), Karin Smyth said: “This government has got the NHS on the road to recovery, with the waiting list down by more than 400,000 compared with June 2024 and a record 29 million diagnostic tests and scans carried out last year, but there's still a lot more to do.
“The NHS should fit around people’s lives, not the other way around. This brand-new, state-of-the-art centre for Plymouth is going to offer convenient tests, checks and scans - without a trip to hospital.
“Community Diagnostic Centres like this one are a vital part of how we’re rebuilding the NHS and getting people seen on time again. More of these will soon be opening across the country through our £237 million investment in new, expanded and enhanced centres just like this.”
Staff are currently making final preparations ahead of welcoming the first patients on 23 June. All appointments will be by referral only. The centre will be open from 8am - 8pm, every day.
The opening of the Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre represents a significant step forward in delivering faster, more accessible diagnostic services for the local community.
